During the New Year’s Eve celebration in 2025, the Patriarchal Palace of Alexandria was filled with joy as the “warm and united family” of the Patriarchate of Alexandria gathered. This included clergy from the Patriarchal Court and the lay staff, both men and women, who all radiated happiness. The kind and caring Father Pope and Patriarch Theodore II added to the festive atmosphere with their genuine smiles.
The evening began with festive greetings and traditional carols presented by the Clergy of the Patriarchal Court, African students from the Patriarchal School of Alexandria, and the staff of the Patriarchate to Pope and Patriarch Theodore II in his Private Office. This was followed by the Great Vespers service in honor of the Feast of the Circumcision of the Lord and Saint Basil the Great, led by the Patriarch at the Patriarchal Chapel of Saints Theodoroi. The chapel was filled with locals and visitors from Greece.
Assisting the Patriarch were Metropolitan Panteleimon of Ptolemais, Chief Secretary and Member of the Holy Synod, Metropolitan Narcissus of Pelusium, Patriarchal Vicar of Alexandria, and Metropolitan Germanos of Tamiathus, Head of the Holy Monastery of Saint Sabbas of Alexandria, along with other clergy from the Holy Archdiocese of the Great City.
Various dignitaries were also in attendance, including the Consul General of Greece in Alexandria, the Presidents of the Greek and Arab communities in Alexandria, and other esteemed guests. The Patriarch blessed the traditional Vasilopita, symbolizing unity among all Greeks in Alexandria, and extended warm wishes to those who found the lucky coin in the bread.
The Patriarch concluded the event with a heartfelt message, urging prayers for those suffering in conflict zones like Ukraine, Palestine, Sudan, Central Africa, and other regions. He also expressed gratitude to the clergy for their dedication and support and conveyed thanks to Greece for its ongoing support of the Patriarchate. The celebration ended with a festive reception hosted by the Patriarch.
